‘Tis the season for holiday parties! Every year we host a Friendsmas, Friends Christmas! There are usually around 25 people. We’ve done this party for 5 years now. But this was the first year I used an organic turkey and decided to go with a Raised Without Antibiotics Whole Turkey from Rossdown Farms & Natural Foods.
I have 2 Turkey secrets when I’m prepping for a large party:
- I prep and roast the turkey the night before (butter, salt & pepper). When it’s done roasting, I carve it and put it in the fridge. Then on the day of the party, I put the slices on a baking sheet, put a bit of chicken broth on it and pop it in the oven to warm up. NO STRESS.
- I go to Whole Foods and I buy 2 tubs of their freshly made gravy to ADD to my gravy if in case I feel like there’s not enough!
Gravy is a thing with me. I’m always worried that I won’t have enough GRAVY! Especially this time ‘cus I was using an Organic, Raised without Antibiotics, Humane turkey! Not your regular ol’ fat butterball!
So get this… I prepped and roasted my turkey like I usually do. AND the turkey came out PERFECT! Juicy! AND LOTS OF DRIPPINGS! Perfect for gravy!
It was good to know that I was using a humane turkey too. Which means this turkey was raised and produced in kinder and more responsible farming practices. This turkey wasn’t a huge fatty that was pumped up with animal by-products, hormones and antibiotics.
2 big things that stood out to me using a Rossdown Turkey compared to a Regular one:
- Moisture. It was a juicy, not dry and very tasty turkey
- GRAVY. It made a whole large sized pot of gravy. I didn’t have to add tons of hot water! AND I didn’t have to add my tubs of whole foods gravy!
Success!
Let’s Talk Leftovers!
Everyone loves leftovers… maybe even more than the actual day-of meal!
Here are a few recipes I pull out the day after entertaining to change it up from Turkey Soup.
Leftovers Lasagna
In an oven safe dish, layer your leftover stuffing, turkey bits and slices, cranberry sauce and mashed potato. Top with cheddar cheese! Bake at 400 for 20 mins. Recipe here.
One Pan Turkey Casserole
Macaroni, shredded turkey and stuffing, a bit of milk or cream and lots of cheese! Get the recipe here.
Turkey Soup but with Orzo!
Orzo looks like rice. Sub out barley or macaroni and use orzo instead. Get the recipe here.
I meet up with Barbara Beam from 93.7 JR Country every Thursday at 10:45 am to talk about family-friendly events, time-saving secrets and quick dinners. Ways busy people can save time and find that work-life balance! If you missed this week’s feature, here it is!
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
